WhatsApp tests a tool that uses AI to fill out your photos

WhatsApp is testing a tool on Android that turns a square or wide photo into a tall, full-screen one without cropping. Meta AI invents new picture details around the edges to fill the empty space. It is aimed at people who post photos as Status updates.

What it does

The tool is part of WhatsApp's drawing editor. It creates a vertical 9:16 version of your photo, the shape of a phone screen. It does not stretch the original picture. Meta AI looks at the image and generates extra content around its edges. How good the result looks may depend on how much visual information is available around the edges of the original photo.

How to find it

Open a photo in the drawing editor and swipe up to the Edit section. Pick the photo expansion option. Meta AI then builds a taller version. You can accept it or ask for another version if you do not like the first one.

• It works for chats and Status updates, though some testers may see it in only one of them.
• It may not show up for photos that are already 9:16, since they need no extra space.
• A square 1:1 image is a good way to check whether you have the option.

Who can try it

For now, only some Android beta testers. The feature was spotted by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.44.8, available through the Google Play Store. Installing that update does not guarantee access, because WhatsApp is turning the feature on for selected accounts in stages. More testers are expected to get it over the coming weeks.

What to watch for

The new edges are not part of your real photo. They are made up by AI. Before you post, look closely at the result to make sure nothing odd was added. If it looks off, you can generate another version or go back to the original.

What is not known yet

WhatsApp has not shared a date for a wider public release. It has not confirmed when the tool will reach all Android users. The material does not mention any cost.